Do airlines know that a passenger arrived at the airport?

Usually you have to scan your boarding pass at least twice at the airport: First at the security checkpoint and then at the gate for boarding (plus once more if you check bags). If somebody does not check in bags, does the airline know that a passenger arrived at the airport and at least made it to (not necessarily through) security? If so, would that be a trigger to call somebody out before the flight closes (and also to not call out if that passenger hasn’t even scanned his boarding pass yet at security)?

(Moved here from aviation SE)

Best Answer

Airlines can know you are in the airport if you checked your bags in. It is illegal for the plane to leave with your bags if you're not on the flight. At security, I assume they don't really care about your booking, only that you are on a flight and have the authorisation to be in that area of the airport.

On all international flights, and on domestic ones in most of the world, airlines adhere to a policy called Positive Passenger Bag Match (PPBM), which states that bags flying must be matched to a passenger on-board the flight.

Budget airlines won't always do final calls, sometimes they just shut the gate 20 or so minutes before the flight.

This can vary from one airport to another, some airports don't even do final calls anymore as seen here:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/changi-airport-to-stop-announcing-final-calls-for-boarding-paging-for-late

So they don't always know you are at the airport if you haven't checked in your bag.

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Do airlines know that a passenger arrived at the airport? - Man in airport waiting for boarding on plane

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Can an airline tell you if someone is on a flight?

Airlines may not disclose whether or not a passenger is on a flight regardless of who paid for the flight or made the reservation. The only acception is for unaccompanied minors.

Do flight attendants have access to passenger info?

The Passenger Information List (PIL) and Passenger+ systems began as a way for cabin crew to identify passengers with a tight connection and help them rebook while still mid-flight. Today, cabin crew are able to see a wealth of data points on each passenger in the cabin.

Do they search you at the airport?

Nominally, the TSA's job is to make sure you're a) allowed to be on the flight, and b) that you aren't bringing anything dangerous or illegal on board. This means they can search your bags and your person. We'll quickly go through what you can bring on, and then we'll get into your rights.

What happens when you arrive at the airport?

At the airport security you will be required to pass your hand luggage through an x-ray machine where it will be checked for dangerous goods. You will also be required to pass through a metal detector. At the security pass, the officer will ask you for your boarding pass which will then be scanned.

Know Your Rights As An Airline Passenger Before Your Next Flight

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